Former North Carolina Teacher Accused of Using AI to Create Child Sex Abuse Material

Richard Lynn Upright, 56, faces 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after authorities say a cybertip led to an investigation.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Richard Lynn Upright, a 56-year-old former teacher at Vandalia Christian School in Greensboro, North Carolina, was arrested on February 27 and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Investigators allege that Upright used artificial intelligence and photo-editing tools to place minors' faces onto explicit sexual images.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concern around the use of advanced technology, such as AI and photo-editing software, to create child sexual abuse material. It raises questions about the need for stronger regulations and oversight to prevent such exploitation, as well as the impact on victims and their families.

The details

According to the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip and notified the authorities. During a court appearance, a detective testified that investigators discovered 111 explicit images on Upright's devices, alleging that the images were created by placing minors' faces onto explicit images using AI or photo-editing software. A search warrant was also executed at Vandalia Christian School on February 27 as part of the investigation.

  • On February 23, the Guilford County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
  • On February 27, Richard Lynn Upright was arrested and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • On February 27, a search warrant was executed at Vandalia Christian School as part of the investigation.

The players

Richard Lynn Upright

A 56-year-old former teacher at Vandalia Christian School in Greensboro, North Carolina, who was arrested and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Vandalia Christian School

The school where Upright was employed as a teacher when the investigation began. The school has cooperated with the Guilford County Sheriff's Office and the investigation.

Guilford County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that launched the investigation and made the arrest of Upright.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The organization that received a cybertip and notified the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, leading to the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Not being able to protect my child from that and being able to see this is trying.”

— Parent of two students (WFMY)

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, according to the Guilford County Sheriff's Office press release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent the exploitation of minors through the use of advanced technologies, as well as the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, schools, and the community to protect children from such abuses.